Things to do Nov. 7-13: Chicago Toy & Game Fair, Antique Bottle and Advertising Show, Veterans Day events and more

Starts before Friday

312 Comedy Festival: Various times Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 4-9, at locations in Chicago. Comedy from Joe Machi, Fortune Feimster, Ralph Barbosa, Pete Holmes, Dusty Slay, Earthquake, Patrick Warburton and more. For ticket information and the schedule, see 312comedyfestival.com.

Friday, Nov. 7

MainStreet Libertyville’s First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Honoring Our Heroes, A Veterans Day Brunch and Pop-Up Exhibit: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Lincoln Center, Downers Grove. A special Veterans Day brunch and pop-up exhibit on local military history and veterans. Bring mementos to add to the temporary exhibit. Brunch is free for veterans. Veterans and their plus one should email museum@dgparks.org to RSVP and provide proof of service such as military or VA card. Kids 4 and older must be registered with a registered adult. $16-$24. dgparks.org.

Windycon 51 — Rise of the Machines: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at DoubleTree By Hilton Chicago, 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook. Windycon 51 invites you to explore the future with this year’s theme, “Rise of the Machines.” Enjoy a weekend of sci-fi and fantasy panels, author guests, gaming, a vendor hall, and an art show. $60-$70, or $25 for Saturday only, $15 for Sunday only. Free for anyone 12 or under. windycon.org.

Veterans Dinner: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Meridian Banquets, 1701 W. Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows. Veterans are invited to a complimentary dinner. Registration required. cityrm.org.

PuzzleMania: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Teams of up to four adults can compete in this jigsaw puzzle tournament. $30 per team. Register at carypark.com.

ECC Theatre's “Our Town”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 7-16, at ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic. $12-$14. eccartscenter.org.

“The Rocky Horror Show”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. BrightSide Theatre’s revival. $32-$37. (630) 447-8497 or brightsidetheatre.com.

“The Haunting of Hill House”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8, at Village Guild Theatre, 2S720 Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. A group of supernatural investigators journey to the ominous Hill House. $25. villagetheatreguild.com.

GreenRoom’s First Fridays Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Hemmens Theatre in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Improv comedy. $15-$20. hemmens.org.

30th annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival: Various times, Friday through Monday, Nov. 7-10, at Elastic Arts, 3429 W. Diversey Ave., No. 208, Chicago. Scheduled performances include Francis Wong and Chicago Time Code at 8:30 p.m. and Jeff Chan and Ratchet at 9:30 p.m. Friday; Ester Hana at 8:30 p.m. and Yoko Noge and Jazz Me Blues at 9:30 p.m. Saturday; Chien-an Yuan and All Things Shining at 8:30 p.m. and Mai Sugimoto, Haruhi Kobayashi and Kioto Aoki at 9:30 p.m. Sunday; and the MIYUMI Project at 8:30 p.m. Monday. $20, $10 for students with ID. airmw.org/aajazz.

Healing Field of Honor: Nov. 7-12 at Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville. Fifth annual tribute to military veterans, active service members and their families with Naperville Park District, Operation Support Our Troops — America, Naperville Responds for Veterans, and other organizations. This year’s theme, “Welcome Home,” commemorates service members’ return from Vietnam 50 years ago. A brief opening ceremony at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, where Vietnam veterans will share stories and answer questions at the Vietnam Wall of Remembrance. Playing of taps at 5 p.m. each day. A Veterans Day observance will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, on Rotary Hill. osotamerica.org/Naperville-healing-field-of-honor.

Saturday, Nov. 8

Wheaton French Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Main and Liberty streets in Wheaton. Outdoor market offering fresh produce, flowers, handcrafted goods, specialty foods, jewelry, crafts, baked goods and more. bensidounusa.com/wheaton.

Glen Ellyn Pumpkin Smash: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Village Green Park, 130 S. Lambert Road, Glen Ellyn. Before smashing, weigh your pumpkins (free of decorations, candles and paint). Drop off your pumpkins or bring a baseball bat or shovel to join in the smashing. gogreenglenellyn.org.

Grayslake Antique Bottle and Advertising Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Shop for items like antique bottles, coin-op machines, antique advertising, breweriana, signs, slot machines, antiques and more. Early admission from 8-9 a.m. Saturday $25; regular admission $8; free for kids 12 and younger with an adult. zurkopromotions.com.

Wheaton Pumpkin Smash: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 8, in Commuter Parking Lot 9, Carlton Avenue and Liberty Drive, Wheaton. Pumpkin composting event. wheaton.il.us.

Chicago Toy & Game Fair: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. See the newest toys, meet favorite characters and more. $12 for adults, $6 for children. choosechicago.com.

Elgin Pumpkin Smash: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin. Drop off your pumpkins (with no decorations) for the annual composting event. elginil.gov/pumpkinsmash.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Bimonthly show that hosts vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Huntley Veterans Day Ceremony and Collection Event: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in Huntley Square on Coral Street. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. For the Honoring Our Veterans Collection, bring donations to stock the shelves at New Horizons and Veteran's Path to Hope. Hosted by the village and Huntley American Legion 673 Women's Auxiliary. For a list of needed items, visit huntley.il.us.

MSI Tree Lighting: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. See more than 50 twinkling holiday trees, each decorated to represent a different country, and displays representing international seasonal celebrations of light, like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and more. The grand tree lighting is at 11 a.m. with Santa. Museum admission: adults $25.95; kids 3-11 $14.95; free for members. griffinmsi.org.

Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in downtown Geneva. Cocoa creations will be offered at participating Geneva businesses. Event is suitable for adults and kids. Purchase tickets at genevachamber.com/events/cocoa-crawl.

Glen Ellyn Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center gym, 535 Duane. Doors open at 10 a.m. Hosted by Glen Ellyn American Legion Post 3 and Glen Ellyn VFW Post 6663. The second-floor gym is elevator accessible. After the ceremony, head to the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., for the unveiling of a display of artifacts from the American Legion and VFW from 1 to 3 p.m. glenellyn.org.

Brew It Forward: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Annual outdoor beer tasting benefits the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Purchase beer tokens for attending veterans or donate directly to the Midwest Shelter. Veterans who attend receive complimentary tastings. Family activities in the Tank Park. $21 per car. fdmuseum.org/event/brew-it-forward-4/.

Veterans Day readings: 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Yellow Bird Books, 34 S. Stolp Ave. in Aurora. Wayne Johnson of Aurora will sign and read from “The Militarized Zone: What Did You Do in the Army?” Drafted in 1969, Johnson served in the 8th Army headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. His novel is based on his experience as a Specialist 5. Johnson writes a humor column for the Voice newspaper in Aurora. Sara Knigge will read for her late father Bill Christiansen. He passed away shortly after writing “My Story: Experiences of a LRRP/Ranger in Vietnam 1968-1969.” He was a sergeant with the 75th Infantry Rangers. His book recounts firsthand experiences in the war. Admission is free. yellowbirdbooksaurora.com.

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball: 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 800 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake. McHenry County Marine Corps League celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. $85. Tickets: mchenrycountymcl.com.

Elgin Symphony “Mozart & Mendelssohn”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. With Greg Flint on horn and featuring Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 and Symphony No. 13, Schumann’s Three Romances and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian.” $20-$68; $10 for students. elginsymphony.org.

Soweto Gospel Choir “Peace”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The 20-member South African ensemble performs a cappella renditions of traditional and contemporary songs. $55-$65. atthemac.org.

Joe Cantafio — A Salute to the Veterans: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Moonlight Theatre, 7 S. Second Ave., St. Charles. Second annual event featuring performances by Joe Cantafio of The Jade 50s and Bob Blom of Reely Dan. A portion of the proceeds benefit The Fisher House Charities, which offers free lodging to military and veteran families. Full bar and food menu available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $20. moonlighttheatre.com.

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Lights: Saturday, Nov. 8, through Jan. 5 at The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The museum’s annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. Holidays of Light is a celebration of global holidays throughout the year that honor light and enlightenment. Museum admission: adults $25.95; kids 3-11 $14.95; free for members. griffinmsi.org.

Sunday, Nov. 9

Wheaton flag display: Sunrise to sunset Sunday to Wednesday, Nov. 9-12, at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. To honor veterans, flags will be installed around the walkways at Memorial Park as well as the six Service Branch flags representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force. wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Hog House to Smokehouse: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. See how 19th-century farmers made salted hams, sausage and other pork products to be hung in the smokehouse. Food for purchase. $3 per person; $12 family; free for kids 2 and younger. parkfun.com/event/hog-house-to-smokehouse.

Lisle Veterans Day observance: 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Lisle Veterans Memorial, 4721 Center Ave., Lisle. Featuring medleys by the Lisle Community Band, color guard, national anthem and remarks. Hosted by the Lisle Park District, in collaboration with Lisle VFW Post 5696 and the Lisle Woodridge Fire Protection District. lisleparkdistrict.org.

Harvest Time in 1858: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Powers Walker House, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Try your hand at corn shelling, grinding corn into flour, or making a corn husk or yarn doll. Watch harvest activities such as the baking of bread in the wood-burning cookstove and grinding herbs for winter use. Tour the historic farmhouse to learn more about its restoration. Kids 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Drop-in program. mccdistrict.org.

Dinner for Veterans: 2-4 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Veterans and their family and friends are invited to a free dinner catered by Aliano’s in East Dundee. For dine-in, options include pastas, garlic bread, chicken, salad and homemade desserts. To-go meals include lasagna, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Military memorabilia will be on display. Reserve a spot at EventBrite.com.

Mount Prospect Community Band Fall Concert: 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect. Mount Prospect Community Band presents “Out of This World.” $5 at the door. mppd.org.

Northwest Choral Society Concert: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 Central Road, Arlington Heights. The Northwest Choral Society presents “Stardust,” a concert centered around music about stars, planets and the night sky. $15-$20. nwchoralsociety.org.

St. John’s Artist Series: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln, Lombard. David C. Jonies, director of music and organist at Holy Name Cathedral, performs organ works of Bach, Reger, Widor and others. Freewill offering. stjohnslombard.org.

Jazz Consortium Big Band Salutes Veterans: 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Durty Nellie's Gastropub and Entertainment Hub, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. 14th annual holiday food drive and musical salute for Veterans Day. McHenry Community High School returns as a special guest at 6 p.m. Bring canned or nonperishable food items, which will be delivered to the Palatine Township Food Pantry. Go to palatinetownship-il.gov for a list of especially needed items. Cover: $10 cash; $5 for ages 17 or younger. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged at (847) 358-9150. Visit jcbigband.com.

Daryl Nitz & Friends: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Hemmens Cultural Center Theatre in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Featuring songs from Broadway, pop, jazz and blues, as well as requests. This is an after-dark show with a cash bar. ​​​​​​​Table seating is general admission, with four seats to a table. $24.50-$27.50. Tickets: hemmens.org or (847) 931-5900.

“The Life & Music of George Michael”: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. This show captures the sound of George Michael with concert-style staging, dance and lighting while telling his story, featuring early music hits from “Wham!” through his solo career. $62-$72. atthemac.org.

Monday, Nov. 10

Vietnam War veteran Interview: 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, at the DuPage County Historical Museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. Retired U.S. Army Major Steve Fixler will interview Bill Wolff, a Vietnam War veteran who was with 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1965. Wolff will explain what missions he and his unit completed in Vietnam, plus additional information on being in Vietnam. This program will be available via Zoom. Walk-ins welcome. Free. Register: wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Palatine American Legion Veterans Day Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Palatine High School, 1111 N. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. To honor veterans in the community. Free. RSVP by e-mailing cbays@d211.org. alpost690.us.

Honoring Veterans Blood Drive: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the mobile coach parked on the lower level of Yorktown Center outside Von Maur, and 1:30-7 p.m. at First Church of Lombard, 220 S. Main St., Lombard. Opportunity to donate blood in honor of veterans. villageoflombard.org/402/Blood-Drives.

Warrenville Veterans Day Breakfast: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Warrenville Community Building, 3S240 Warren Ave., Warrenville. Join as a community to express gratitude for our nation’s veterans. Free for veterans, their spouses, children and special guests. Advance registration required at warrenvilleparks.org.

Bensenville’s Veterans Day breakfast: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at White Pines Golf Club banquet hall, 500 W. Jefferson St., Bensenville. The village, park district and Fenton High School invite Bensenville veterans and their families to dine for free. There will be a guest speaker and presentations by Fenton High School Defending Freedom Essay Contest winners. Registration is required by Nov. 3 at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St. bvilleparks.org.

Aurora Veterans Day Procession: 10:15-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in downtown Aurora. Steps off at the corner of Water Street and Downer Place, marching west on Downer Place to the G.A.R. Memorial Hall, 23 E. Downer Place, for a ceremony and military rifle salute by veteran organizations at 11 a.m. aurora-il.org.

South Elgin Veterans Day ceremony: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Plaza at Public Safety Center, 50 N. Water St., South Elgin. southelgin.com.

Elmhurst Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. elmhurst.org.

St. Charles Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Fire Station 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave., St. Charles. It begins with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a prayer, remarks, a closing prayer, a gun salute and a performance of taps. stcharlesil.gov.

Mount Prospect Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, RecPlex, 420 Dempster St., Mount Prospect. Join VFW Post 1337 and American Legion Post 525 to commemorate veterans. Elizabeth D. Soto, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County, will be the keynote speaker. vfw1337.com.

Schaumburg Veterans Day Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Gateway Park, Roselle and Schaumburg roads. Schaumburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2202 hosts the annual ceremony to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Schaumburg police and fire departments will perform the honor guard while flanked by the Schaumburg VFW Post 2202 Rifle Squad. villageofschaumburg.com.

Hoffman Estates Veterans Day ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial site at the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Light refreshments will be served at the police department following the ceremony. Free. hoffmanestates.org.

Wheaton Veterans Day ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. The Wheaton American Legion and the Wheaton Park District host a ceremony that will conclude with a final salute at 11 a.m. wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Addison Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Circle at the far east end of the Village Green, 1 Friendship Plaza. Featuring guest speakers and music that honor the heroes who have bravely defended the nation. Rain or shine. Parking available on Army Trail Road, south of Village Green. From 9 to 11 a.m., stop by the Addison Historical Museum, 135 W. Army Trail Road, for special exhibits on veterans. Later in the day, Addison VFW Post 7446, 446 W. Lake St., is giving out food and drinks from 2 to 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com/AddisonEvents.

Barrington Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial, Park Avenue and Cook Street, Barrington. Join local veterans and dignitaries to honor Veterans Day. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Bloomingdale Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Bloomingdale Library gazebo, 101 Fairfield Way, Bloomingdale. Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539’s ceremony at Veterans Memorial monument. New this year, the village is installing flagpoles for the six branches of the military. facebook.com/VFW7539.

Brookfield Zoo Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a display of military memorabilia and vehicles. Get an up-close experience with the zoo’s animal ambassadors from 11-11:30 a.m. Music by the Legacy Girls from noon to 12:45 p.m. After the ceremony, the posting of colors and a performance of the national anthem will take place, followed by the Jesse White Tumblers. Free admission to all active, reservist and retired members of the military. brookfieldzoo.org//VeteransDay.

Carpentersville Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. cville.org.

Elburn Veterans Day observance: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at American Legion Post 630, 112 N. Main St. Hosted by Elburn American Legion. elburnpost630.org/events.

Elgin Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin. The city and American Legion Post 57 honor our nation’s veterans. Seating will be provided. Parking available in the parking deck on the southwest corner of Symphony and Grove. elginil.gov.

Geneva Veterans Day Salute: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Third and State streets, Geneva. A salute will be presented by the American Legion honor guard. American Legion Post 75, 22 S. Second St., hosts a Veterans Day Gathering from noon to 3 p.m. facebook.com/AMLGENEVAILPOST75 or genevapost75.org.

Glendale Heights Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park, 1611 Bloomingdale Road, Glendale Heights. Free. glendaleheights.org.

Gurnee Legion Veteran's Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at American Legion Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Pay tribute to America’s veterans. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony. Free. gurneeamericanlegion.org.

Highland Park Veterans Day program: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at The Moraine, 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park. Dpeakers will include Mayor Nancy Rotering, representatives from local veteran groups will be present, and the Highland Park High School brass quintet and singers will perform. Free. hplibrary.org.

Lindenhurst Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Lindenhurst Paul Baumunk Veterans Memorial, at the entrance to the Lindenhurst Village Hall, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road. Ceremony to honor veterans. Free. lindenhurstil.org.

Lombard Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Sunken Garden in Lombard Common Park, Grace and Maple streets. It begins with a welcome from Village President Anthony Puccio and an invocation from Pastor Jill Terpstra of First Church of Lombard. This year’s keynote speaker will be Vietnam veteran Tom Zilla, who serves as Commander of VFW Lilac Post 5815. Glenbard East High School student Olive Turner will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” Glenbard East bugler Benjamin Castro-Jimenez will play the call to assembly and retreat. Lombard Junior Women's Club will be handing out American flags in commemoration. In case of inclement weather, it will be moved indoors to the village hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave. villageoflombard.org.

Naperville Veterans Day observance: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, on Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville. osotamerica.org/Naperville-healing-field-of-honor.

North Aurora Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial, Willow Way and Fairview Drive, North Aurora. After the ceremony, coffee and refreshments will be provided at the North Aurora Police Department. northaurora.org.

Palatine American Legion Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Veterans Day observance. Speakers will include American Legion Auxiliary Presidents Jill Robertson and Erica Bartnicki, Former Sons of the American Legion Squadron Commander John Nemanich and American Legion Palatine Post 690 Commander Mark Cramer. The Legion color guard will also participate. Free. alpost690.us.

Streamwood Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. Honor the men and women who have served in times of peace and war. The event will feature a performance by the Celebration Brass Quintet. streamwood.org.

Villa Park and Oakbrook Terrace Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at VFW Post 2801, 39 E. St. Charles Road, Villa Park. The city hosts the presentation of colors, taps and speakers in conjunction with the Villa Park VFW. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. villaparkvfw.org/events.

Wood Dale Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park, 269 W. Irving Park Road, Wood Dale. Join the VFW Tioga Post for the ceremony. Dress for the weather. wooddale.com.

Woodridge Veterans Day: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive, Woodridge. Woodridge VFW Post 1578 will hold its annual service inside the library. woodridgelibrary.org.

Buffalo Grove Veterans Day Celebration: 4:30-5:30 p.m. reception and 5:30 p.m. program Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Honoring all veterans, their families and friends. VFW Post 981 Color Guard will present and remove the Colors, as well as present a special Armed Services Flag Presentation. Lunch will be served before the program. Free; registration required. bgparks.org/veterans-day-celebration.

19th annual Veterans Salute Concert: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the St. Charles North High School auditorium, 255 Red Gate Road, St. Charles. Under the direction of John Wojciechowski and Kevin Dobbeck, the St. Charles North Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble present an evening of patriotic music in celebration of local veterans. Hosted by master of ceremonies Mark Powell, a retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel. A reception for all veterans will be held at 5 p.m. in the auditorium lobby. For free tickets, go to scnmusic.com/veterans-day-concert.

Hanover Park Veterans Day observance: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Village Board Room 214, 2121 W. Lake St., Hanover Park. The Hanover Park Veterans Committee hosts an event to honor veterans. Free. hpil.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Thanksgiving gathering: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Covenant Living, 124 Windsor Park Drive, Carol Stream. Menu includes a mixed green salad, roast turkey and gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. After lunch, the Oldies but Goodies with Leslie Gray Robbins will perform. A reception with punch, appetizers and music in the lobby begins at 11 a.m.; lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. $10 for 18 or older. Register: wheatonparkdistrict.com or (630) 665-1415.

Elgin Area Women’s Connection: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Villa Olivia Country Club, 1401 W. Lake St., Bartlett. Luncheon with a craft and bake sale, silent auction of baskets, and a live auction of specialty and handmade items. Speaker Connie Beard from Bloomington presents “How to Handle the Unexpected.” $24. RSVP: (630) 213-1205 or email Carr644@gmail.com.

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. Billy Wilder's 1960 comedy-drama “The Apartment,” with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for ages 60 or older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”: 1:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 12 through Jan. 11, at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets start at $31. paramountaurora.com.

Cult Classic Movie Nights “Airplane!”: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville. Register: warrenville.com.

Nick’s Pix: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St., Oak Park. Veteran movie critic Nick Digilio’s monthly film series will cover Brian DePalma’s 1984 crime thriller “Body Double.” $9, $7 for ages 60 or older or ages 2-11, plus fees. classiccinemas.com.

“The Government Inspector”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 12-14, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Wheaton College Jenks Hall, 433 Howard St., Wheaton. Arena Theater’s production of Nikolai Gogol’s farce about mistaken identity and corruption in its newest adaptation. $11.50-$17.25. tickets.wheaton.edu/.

Thursday, Nov. 13

Weed Ladies Winter Sale: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 13-15, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at Naper Settlement Pre-Emption House, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Weed Ladies Winter Sale features seasonal floral arrangements for sale. Proceeds benefit the Naperville Heritage Society. Free entry. napersettlement.org.

“The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit & The Rings of Power in Concert”: 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Features an orchestra, choir and soloists playing music from the films. $51-$91. bataviafineartscentre.org/events/.

Gladys Knight — The Empress of Soul: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. The seven-time Grammy Award winner will be joined by saxophonist Harold Dawson. $56.75-$158.75. arcadalive.com.

“The Moors”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 13-15, at Elmhurst University’s Mill Theatre, 253 Walter St., Elmhurst. Jen Silverman’s dark comedy about two sisters, their maid and their dog living on the moors. When a governess and a small moor hen enter their lives, everyone questions their relationships. $5-$15. elmhurst.edu.

“The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W. Wilson St., Batavia. Music from “Dune,” James Bond, “The Pirates of the Caribbean,” “The Lion King,” “Gladiator,” “The Dark Knight,” “Inception,” “Interstellar” and more. $51-$91. bataviafineartscentre.org.

Ongoing

Yuletide Treasures: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 29; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, Dec. 1-23; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24, at the DuPage Art League, 218 W. Front St., Wheaton. The DuPage Art League’s annual show features one-of-a-kind gifts, all handmade by local artists, including painting, photography, ornaments, holiday and home decor, jewelry, woodwork, pottery, wearable textiles, greeting cards, candles and more. Free parking is available on Front Street and in the parking garage across the street. dupageartleague.org.

Alex Ross — Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays, and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 16, 2026, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, and free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

Dinovember: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Nov. 30 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Learn about dinosaurs at 1:30 p.m. daily during the Dino-keeper Chat. Plus, embark on the Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt; complete it and claim a prize at the gift shop. $6 or free for ages 1 and younger or U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/dinovember.

Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 30 at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Hwy. 12, Ingleside. Lights transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail offers food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $31 for kids 3-12 and $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”: Various times most Wednesdays through Sundays and some Tuesdays, through Jan. 4, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Christmas musical in which Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together to celebrate the holidays at Sun Records studio. Ticket start at $70. marriotttheatre.com.